Automatic Level Control for Satellite Signal Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current satellite broadcast systems are limited in their ability to accommodate additional satellite signals and cannot process high-definition television signals, requiring new installations and cabling, which is costly and inflexible, especially when trying to integrate with pre-existing household cabling.
Innovation Solution
An automatic level control system that adjusts signal strengths and uses a multiswitch with network tuners and an interface to direct satellite signals to Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs) via existing cabling, allowing for expansion and efficient distribution of satellite signals across multiple satellites and frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple feedhorns and separate cables are used to deliver satellite signals to multiple IRDs, then signal delivery capability is improved, but installation cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple satellite signal inputs from different feedhorns into a single cable using a power combiner device. This allows multiple IRDs to receive satellite signals through one shared cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate cables for each feedhorn and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the ability to deliver signals to multiple receivers
Solution Approach 2:
The power combiner device serves multiple functions: it combines signals from multiple feedhorns, distributes signals to multiple IRDs, and enables both legacy and new satellite signal formats to coexist on the same cable infrastructure. This multi-functional approach allows the system to accommodate various signal types and delivery methods without requiring separate dedicated pathways for each
2Adaptability or versatility
If new satellite signals and high-definition television signals are added to the system, then signal processing capability is improved, but compatibility with pre-existing cabling is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an automatic level control device that dynamically adjusts signal strength parameters to accommodate different signal types including legacy satellite signals and new high-definition television signals. By automatically modifying signal parameters rather than requiring different physical infrastructure, the system can process enhanced signal types while maintaining compatibility with existing cabling installations
Solution Approach 2:
The power combiner and automatic level control devices act as intermediary components between the diverse signal sources and the existing cable infrastructure. These intermediaries translate and condition signals from multiple satellites and frequency bands, enabling them to travel through pre-existing household cabling without requiring new installation work
3Reliability
If automatic level control is implemented to adjust signal strengths, then signal quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automatic level control device operates autonomously to adjust signal strengths without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. It self-regulates the signal levels from multiple feedhorns and satellites, maintaining optimal signal quality while avoiding the need for additional complex control infrastructure or manual configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic level controlled system for delivering satellite signals to at least one Integrated Receiver Decoder (IRD). The system includes a plurality of inputs, designed to receive a plurality of satellite signals, wherein the satellite signals are directed to the inputs based on an originating satellite for each of the satellite signals, an automatic level controller, coupled to the inputs, for adjusting a signal strength associated with each the satellite signals such that each of the signal strengths are within a predetermined range, a multiswitch, having a plurality of inputs and a plurality of outputs, wherein at least one input of the multiswitch is coupled to the automatic level controller, and an interface, wherein at least one of the outputs of the multiswitch provides a signal to the interface, such that at least one new IRD coupled to an output of the interface receives a portion of a satellite signal based on commands sent to the interface from the new IRD.